Violence in Belfast 23 years after the Good Friday agreement

After the Troubles, a vicious conflict between Irish Nationalists and Protestant Unionists lasted for almost thirty years. The Nationalists wanted Northern Ireland to become part of the Republic of Ireland, whereas the Unionists wanted Northern Ireland to be part of the United Kingdom. The conflict came to an end with the Good Friday agreement, which ensured peace for 23 years. Now, tensions rise again due to Brexit. Why does Brexit cause unrest in Ireland? Let’s find out more!

Please watch this video if you haven’t heard of the Good Friday Agreement before.

 

Watch this video about the recent violent outbursts in Northern Ireland.

Questions about the video: 

1. Why did Brexit cause so much violence in Northern Ireland during the last month?
2. Who are the rioters?
3. What are other reasons for the riots besides Brexit?
4. How does the pandemic worsen the situation?
5. Could the violence have been prevented? How?

Do you want to learn more about this topic? Read this article from The Guardian about what politicians should do to shop the violence and answer the questions below.

Questions about the text:

1. What is meant by ’that dark place of sectarian murders and political discord’?
2. What should governments and co-guarantors of the Good Friday agreement do?
3. Why is the situation especially dangerous for children and youngsters?

Discussion questions:

1. Do you know any other countries where reconciliation was needed to restore peace between several groups with different cultural, social and political backgrounds?
2. What are other downsides or upsides of Brexit?
3. How does Scotland deal with the Brexit agreement?

 

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